2006 Idea House: New England Classic

This home in Portsmouth, Rhode Island displays a unique blend of architectural innovation and classic style.

Exterior

Cambridge, Massachusetts, architect Marcus Gleysteen turned to iconic New England architecture for the house. "We wanted it to look like it had always belonged, like it was here before anything else," he says. Sited to capture views of Narragansett Bay, the house embraces its site with all rooms pointed to the sea.

Bright, airy, and casually elegant, these interiors reflect fine New England style. Blue tones take center stage for a look that classic and crisp. Dark mahogany furniture with navy and white fabric adds yacht-like appeal. Designer Lynn Morgan created two seating areas: one defined by the fireside sofa, another, by club chairs in the bay window. Accessories underscore the nautical theme: photographs of sailboats, pieces of artificial coral, and a seashell mirror.

Design tip: Blend the blues. Layering shades and tones of one color will give a space unity and depth.

The kitchen is the hub of this floor plan. An island outfitted with a counter bar accomodates extra company. Best of all, even the chef can take in the view. Cobalt appliances make a statement against white walls and cabinetry, and a pale aqua coats the island.

Design tip: Combine style and function. The designers chose a deep sink and a faucet with a pullout sprayer—great for cleaning those big lobster pots. Woven baskets in place of drawers store everything from dish towels to oven mitts.

A generous porch overlooks the bay and connects first-floor rooms to the outdoors. The home's fiber cement shingle siding looks like the real thing, but will hold paint longer than wood. The composite decking is made of reclaimed wood and plastics and won't split, rot, or warp.